Interim Restaurant & Bar Restaurant Review

: Patrons can watch the chef and his crew as they artfully prepare meals in Interim’s open kitchen. White-tablecloth ambience and dim lighting make the place ideal for date nights, but beware that the restaurant’s acoustics --- paired with the open kitchen --- make it seem a little loud. The busy bar area, which specializes in hand-crafted cocktails, is perfect for business meetings or drinks before catching a movie at the nearby Malco Paradiso. Straightforward New American fare shows much attention paid to detail in sauces and garnishes. Encrusted with watercress and bone marrow, beef tenderloin is served with a red wine-tarragon glaze, while the duck breast is complemented by sweet potato purée and blackberry lacquer. Appetizers include smoked salmon dip, topped with horseradish crème fraîche. Interim's vegetarian plate has the chef’s choice of seasonal vegetables. Classically trained pastry chef Franck Oysel prepares artisan desserts. The wine list is decent but heavy on California labels, chiefly the big name selections. More interesting choices from Oregon and Europe are present, however.